20S EVILS OF MODERN STABLES. 



ftirougli a shortened life, under human protection. The nearest 'approach 

 it can make to freedom is its period of exhausting labor. It always 

 rejoices to quit its confinement; but, enfeebled by imprisonment, and 

 subservient to man's exactions, it ever gladly returns to the place of its 

 sorrow. In proportion as its limbs are finely made and its actions are 

 graceful is it prized. It is never esteemed for its instincts or credited 

 with intelligence. It lives in so limited a space that, in comparison with 

 the dimensions of its abode, a man in a sentry-box dwells in a mansion ; 

 or a lion in a cage roams over a domain. A reasonable and an intelli- 

 gent being commands his horse should be fastened to such a spot, and 

 supposes that a living organism is to endure the confinement which does 

 not permit the body to turn round ; that animated functions are to exist 

 where most ordinary exercises are rendered impossible : nevertheless, he 

 anticipates the creature will appear bounding with health in answer to 

 his requirements. 



To be sure, the prisoner, although its head be fastened, (a restraint 

 not imposed upon the most savage of carnivorous beasts,) is permitted 

 now to bear upon one leg, and then to change it for the other. It may 

 perhaps lie down or stand up, without provoking chastisement Neither 

 head nor tail are forbid a proper degree of motion. But at this point 

 all indulgence is exhausted. It is tied to a rope two yards in length ; 

 but it may not go even to the extent of its tether; neither may it move 

 close up to the manger ; both acts are equally unpardonable : a properly 

 behaved animal should stand quietly in the center of its compartment, 

 and always remain there when not lying down. 



It is beaten if its head be raised just to peep over the paling, to ex- 

 change a rub of the nose and to give, as well as accept, a warm stream 

 of fragrant breath to and from its nearest fellow-misery. It must taste 

 the full flavor of its captivity : no trivial act may distract attention from 

 the horror of its position. It must lie down where it stands ; and stand 

 where it laid down. It must not display the grace and ease of motion 

 with which it has been endowed ; nor must it indulge the kindly feeUngs 

 Providence has gifted it with. To exert the faculties which the All- 

 wise has planted in a beautiful body, man regards as evidence of its 

 vicious disposition; though it has yet to be demonstrated that nature 

 ever bestows any quality without an intention that the gift should be 

 actively employed. 



The feelings of the master are more than sympathized in by the groom. 

 A servant's pride always induces him to exaggerate both the virtues and 

 the vices of his employer. What in the superior is a mere anticipation, 

 which gratifies when it becomes realized, in the bosom of the dependent 

 swells to a positive demand, compliance with which it is noble, at every 



